The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is the most popular organized hike in the United States (15,000 walkers in a record year). This family event is sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial®.

A group of visitors for the Annual Spring Volksmarch

Hikers follow dirt trails and gravel work roads up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. The turn-around point is on the Arm of Crazy Horse directly in front of the nine-story-high face, which was completed June 3, 1998. Hikers get an up-close view of the mountain. Work continues on the rest of what will be the largest sculpture in the world.

The Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse opens for breakfast at 6 a.m. during the Volksmarch, and serves lunch and dinner. The snack shop also is open. Coffee is always free at Crazy Horse Memorial®.

35th Annual Spring Volksmarch - June 6 and June 7, 2020 Has been Canceled

The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K or 6.2-mile woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota has been canceld for spring.

**The Black Hills Volkssport Association (BHVA) and Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation have determined that the 35th annual Spring Volksmarch scheduled for June 6 and 7, 2020 will be canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This announcement is being made in support of prevention and for the well-being of the community to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

We deeply appreciate the support of the participants, workers and volunteers of the Volksmarch and we look forward to hosting the Autumn walk.

We will keep you updated as details become available.

Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the Covid-19 virus and hope this will be overcome soon.

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation and BHVA are hoping to host the Fall Volksmarch in September. Plans are for the autumn hike to be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 26th and 27th and will be held the same weekend as the Custer State Park Buffalo Round-Up.

The final decision will be made by August 26, 2020, and another announcement will be made.

Cost

Admission is waived for volksmarchers. A donation of three cans of food per person is appreciated. The American Volkssport Association's hike fee is $3 for each participant regardless of age. Regular admission applies to non-hikers.

Parking

FREE. Due to the popularity of the event, parking can be some distance from the starting point and not on paved or gravel surfaces. Shuttle buses operate between these outlying parking lots and the start-finish area.

Registration

No advance registration. Hikers must check in at starting point, which is at the Memorial’s upper parking area. Hikers must register before 1 p.m. and be off the trail by 4 p.m.

Starting times

Anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

The route is 10K (6.2 miles round trip) on hilly, rough terrain with some steep inclines. The rugged woodlands path is not suitable for infant strollers. From the valley at the Memorial’s visitor center, the trail rises about 500 feet up to the mountain. You will see views of Crazy Horse Memorial® and its 1,000-acre campus not otherwise available to the public.

Travel light! Water stations and port-a-potties are available along the trail. Roving trail monitors and medical professionals will be available for those needing assistance. Watch the weather, dress appropriately and anticipate taking layers of clothes. Sturdy footwear is recommended.